King still holds England hope

01 May 2009 08:50

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King accepts it could be 'very difficult' to play for England consistently, but is keen to be part of the 2010 World Cup squad.

King was called up by England coach Fabio Capello for the recent games against Slovakia and Ukraine, but was forced to withdraw due to his ongoing knee problems.

The Spurs skipper is unable to play two games in a week, and also struggles to train between matches, prompting concerns over his international future.

The 28-year-old acknowledged a compromise needs to be reached if he is to play for England again and hopes to be involved in South Africa next summer.

Difficult situation"It's a difficult situation," King told the May edition of Hotspur magazine.

"My priority first and foremost is always Spurs, but of course every player wants to represent his country at the highest level and, with the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign going so well, there is a real opportunity to do something great on the international stage again.

"Every player wants to play as much as possible, but I've long accepted the fact that it is not a privilege I have, and if some kind of agreement cannot be reached between commitments, then it will obviously be very difficult to carry on representing my country.

"That's not an easy decision to make, but it's a situation that needs to be dealt with sensibly."

DeterminedThere have been persistent reports that King's chronic knee problems will force him into premature retirement, and the centre-half accepts it is a 'frightening' prospect.

He added: "I was talking to some of the other older lads at Tottenham recently, and it's frightening to think that your career could be coming to a close.

"It's obviously something I've had more cause to contemplate with the injury, but it has made me even more determined to continue playing, because when you have a glimpse of something coming to an end you will do whatever you can in your power to fend off that eventuality.

"That's how I am focused for the time being, and it's bringing out a new psychological element in my game that I feel makes me a better player. It's difficult to describe, but on a personal and club level there is a new wave of confidence and assuredness."